House Passes Bill Banning Late-term Abortions

Posted on October 3, 2017 by rocklandrtl

ab63c0e7-83a7-4418-a5b4-55afb1407bc1 The U.S. House of Representatives today passed a bill that bans late-term abortions from shortly after 20 weeks of pregnancy to the day of birth. The vote was 237 to 189. Only three Democrats supported the bill and only three Republicans opposed it.

Rockland’s representative in the House, Nita Lowey, (D, 17th CD), voted against it.

The bill is called the “Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Act,” the name reflecting the evidence that unborn babies of that age are capable of feeling intense pain during an abortion.

This legislation has passed in the House of Representatives twice before, in 2013 and 2015, but was killed in the Senate. If it does pass in the Senate this time, President Trump has promised to sign it into law.

Sixteen states have enacted similar legislation: Ohio, Texas, Nebraska, Idaho, Oklahoma, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Arkansas, North Dakota, South Dakota, West Virginia, Wisconsin, South Carolina, Kentucky, and Kansas.

190 countries do NOT allow abortions past 5 months. Among those that do are China, North Korea, the Netherlands, Singapore, Vietnam, Canada — and the USA.

It was an exciting step forward in the House of Representatives today. Thank you to all who supported the bill, especially Rep. Chris Smith of NJ, the leader of the prolife caucus in the House.

25th Annual Rockland Life Chain

Posted on October 2, 2017 by rocklandrtl

Students from Albertus Magnus High School stand up for life at the Life Chain.

Oct. 1 — Today Rocklanders stood along with thousands of prolife individuals across the U.S. and Canada in honor of the millions of babies whose lives have been lost to abortion and to pray for people in crisis situations and for our nation.

The Life Chain is an interfaith prayer vigil that takes place every year on the first Sunday of October, Respect Life Sunday. Local Life Chains were held in White Plains, Middletown, Manhattan, Bronx, Staten Island, and 19 other locations in the lower Hudson Valley. This is the 25th year for the Rockland Life Chain, which is held at the intersection of Route 59 and Middletown Road in Nanuet.

Photos follow. Click on a photo to enlarge it, and then scroll through the resulting slide show.

40 Days for Life Begins

Posted on September 28, 2017 by rocklandrtl

Sept. 28 — For the 21st time, the 40 Days for Life prayer vigil in Rockland is taking place on Perlman Drive in Spring Valley, outside the mall where the Planned Parenthood office is located. Fifteen supporters came to pray at the opening hour yesterday. The prayers were led by Fr. Matthias, a priest visiting from Nigeria.

The 40 Days for Life is an international, interfaith movement whose goal is to end abortion through prayer, fasting, and community outreach. Volunteers come to a designated prayer site to pray for the victims of abortion, those harmed by it, for those involved in the abortion industry, and for all who strive to defend life. The prayer goes on 24/7 for 40 days. It is currently taking place in 375 locations across the U.S. and in 24 other countries. Over 13,300 babies have been saved from abortion during 40 Days for Life vigils, which began in 2007.

In Rockland, the prayer site is on Perlman Drive in Spring Valley from 9 am to 5 pm every day, and then prayer continues through the night at the Eucharistic Adoration Chapel at St. Gregory Barbarigo Church in Garnerville. The vigil will go on for 40 Days and end on Nov. 5

Volunteers are always needed. If you can commit to one hour a week, please call 845-492-6709 or email rachelminister1@aol.com. And, as they say, “walk-ins” are always welcome. If you have an hour to spare, come on down. You may pray in any manner you choose. Be assured this is a peaceful event, held on public property.

NYS Court of Appeals Rules Against Assisted Suicide

Posted on September 11, 2017 by rocklandrtl

Sept. 7 — The New York Court of Appeals released its decision today in the case of Myers v. Schneiderman, in which the plaintiffs sought to establish a ‘right’ to physician-assisted suicide under the Constitution of the State of New York. In a unanimous 5-0 decision, the Court of Appeals rejected the claims of the plaintiffs, affirming that the New York State’s existing laws against physician-assisted suicide are constitutional.

We congratulate the New York State Court of Appeals and concur with its decision, upholding the respect for the Constitution of the State of New York, upholding the role of the Legislature as policy maker, and recognizing that New York State “has a significant interest in preserving life and preventing suicide, a serious public health problem.”

Although this decision means that there is no right to suicide in the New York State Constitution, this does not mean that assisted suicide cannot be passed legislatively. New York State Right to Life will continue to fight any attempt to pass such legislation. New York must protect and defend the lives of people living with terminal illnesses and disabilities and create options that value and celebrate every life.

New Driveway for Good Counsel

Posted on August 9, 2017 by rocklandrtl

Some of the members of the Good Counsel Homes Spring Valley Volunteer Team with their latest project, the installation of a new driveway.

The Good Counsel Home for mothers and babies in Spring Valley received a big upgrade last month. The driveway was widened and repaved, and the sidewalk leading up to the front door was redone. The home’s Volunteer Team, who raised the funds and planned the work, would like to thank all the donors who responded so generously. The much-needed new driveway and sidewalk now provide safe and serviceable access for the residents and all who come to the Spring Valley home on business or to carry on the work of Good Counsel.

July 4 — Praying for Life and for America

Posted on August 9, 2017 by rocklandrtl

Rockland Right to Life Co-Founders Jeanmarie Grahn and Margaret Fitton at the 2017 Vigil for Life.

July 4 — Independence Day 2017 was marked by the annual Vigil for Life at the Marian Shrine in West Haverstraw.

The morning included the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, the recitation of the Rosary and the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Mass was celebrated by Fr. Nicholas Callahan, assisted by Deacon Bob Pang of St. John’s in Piermont.

The vigil was co-sponsored by the Helpers of God’s Precious Infants and the Rockland County Catholic Coalition.